Many kids struggle with learning the times table, so we’re always happy to find new apps that can lighten their burden. Recently we’ve been loving Mt. Multiplis, the latest app from award-winning developer Teachley.

Like their previous app (Addimal Adventure, which we also loved), it uses gamification to teach kids the concept of multiplications. Kids will be solving multiplication problems to build bridges, unlock cursed treasure chests, and earn gems.

Gameplay

The game starts when Linka’s plane crash landed on Mt. Multiplis. She survived, but the pieces of her plane were scavenged by greedy Crags. Using their multiplication skills, kids must help Linka build bridges to traverse the mountain.

The game comprises seven levels. The goal in each level is to reach a Crag on the other side of the map and retrieve a piece of the plane. To build a bridge, kids simply tap on an empty spot on the map. They will then see a plan for a bridge, plus wooden planks of several sizes on the side.

The task is to drag enough planks to make the bridge. For example, to make a 7 × 6 bridge, kids first drag 5 planks of 6 to make 30. They then drag 2 more planks of 6 to make 36. Written in formal notation that is 7 × 6 = (5 × 6) + (2 × 6).

Going up the levels, kids will explore all the properties of multiplication. They’ll discover the “Double It” card, which doubles the number of planks already on the plan; the Flip button, which flips the sides of the bridge so 8×6 will be 6×8; and the -1 card that removes one plank from the plan.

For every plan completed, kids can earn up to three gems. That’s one gem each for successfully completing the problem, solving all sub-formulas, and using a certain number of planks. These gems can be traded with plane pieces.

The price for each plane piece hikes as the level increases, so kids must earn as many gems as they can. Every so often, they will also run into cursed treasure chests that they unlock by solving at least 10 multiplication problems.

Additionally, to actually build the bridge kids must spend a number of coins. These coins are collected throughout the journey. This introduces an extra layer of challenge as kids must strategically choose their path so they can have enough coins to complete the level.

The app uses visual models to conceptualize these complex strategies. At the end of very problem, the solution concept is repeated once more to ensure kids fully understand it.

Mt. Multiplis is free to download and play. Free of ads and in-app purchases, the app is safe for kids. It is suitable for students in third to fifth grades.

Kids drag the planks to solve the multiplication problem

Things I Like

Like Addimal Adventure, Mt. Multiplis makes learning fun through gamification. The narrative and excellent voice work engage kids as they go up the levels. The graphics are colorful and friendly, and the user interface simple.

More than just a math drill, the app ensures kids understand the process of multiplication. They not only In the last level, kids solve the same question until the end but using different strategies. To solve 8 × 7, they can think (1 × 7) + (1 × 7) + (1 × 7) + (5 × 7) or they can use (2 × 7) + (2 × 7) + (4 × 7). This helps them develop efficiency with multiplication strategy and fact fluency.

The app helps kids conceptualize the distributive property

Conclusion

Teachley: Mt. Multiplis is a comprehensive app that explains the concept of multiplication. It presents visual models to aid kids in learning key math strategies, notably the distributive property. Featuring top-notch voice talents and an engaging gameplay, it is sure to appeal to students in 3rd–5th grades.

Teachley: Mt. Multiplis is available for iPad
Get it on the App Store: iPad